Course - Solid Waste Technology and Resource Recovery - TEP4310
Solid Waste Technology and Resource Recovery
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About the course
Course content
The course covers technologies for solid waste management and recycling and resource recovery from waste systems. The contents of the course includes:1) Introduction to waste management, technology, economics, policy and regulation, 2) Generation and characterization of waste, 3) Life cycle assessment of waste systems, 4) Waste collection, 5) Waste minimization, material recycling and mechanical treatment, 6) Thermal treatment, 7) Biological treatment, 8) Landfilling, 9) Solution for selected waste types (e.g. hazardous waste, WEEE, plastic waste).
Learning outcome
Knowledge - students will have acquired knowledge of
- Key strategies and solutions for effective solid waste management.
- Relevant policies, legislation, and regulatory frameworks in waste management.
- Technical processes involved in waste management and resource recovery.
Skills - students will be able to
- Explain the fundamental components of waste policy.
- Describe the main elements of waste generation and characterization.
- Compare common technical solutions and designs for waste collection, treatment, and resource recovery.
- Interpret life cycle assessment (LCA) studies related to waste systems.
- Evaluate essential requirements for creating effective and environmentally sustainable solid waste management systems.
General competence - students will be capable of:
- Applying a systems perspective when assessing solid waste management solutions and systems.
- Effectively communicating with both specialists and decision-makers in the field of waste management.
Learning methods and activities
The course is structured around three main components: lectures, exercises, and a group semester project, each constituting approximately one-third of the course content. Excursions and guest lectures from experts in waste management and treatment further complement the course with practical insights.
Compulsory assignments
- Exercises
Further on evaluation
Written final exam (70%) and semester project (30%) will form the bases for the final grade.
If there is a re-sit examination the examination form may be changed from written to oral.
Recommended previous knowledge
No particular recommended previous knowledge.
Required previous knowledge
No particular previous knowledge required.
Course materials
Selected parts of textbooks:
- Thomas H. Christensen: "Solid Waste Technology & Management", Wiley 2011.
- Stijn van Ewijk and Julia Stegemann: "An Introduction to Waste Management and Circular Economy", UCL press, 2023.
Selected other materials.
Subject areas
- Environmental and Resource Engineering
- Energy and Process Engineering
- Environmental Management
- Environmental Engineering
- Thermal Energy and Hydropower - Combustion and the Environment